Domestic abuse

We are committed to supporting anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse and will work with our partner agencies to help you.

Domestic abuse is defined as:

Any incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

Controlling behaviour is:a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is:an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”

Domestic abuse can take place anywhere, not just in the home. Research has shown that it is rarely a one-off event. Abuse tends to happen more and more over time - each time getting more serious. Whatever the extent of the violence, the abuse almost always leaves victim frightened, isolated, humiliated or ashamed.

Report it

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, call us on 101,report it online or call 999 in an emergency.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 999.

Our officers will:

Listen to you, treat you with respect, and sensitivity.

Conduct a full risk assessment with you.

Investigate all incidents which occur and take positive action against the abuser.

Work in partnership with Social Services and inform them of any domestic abuse incidents involving children and adults at risk of harm so they can provide further help and support.

Keep you informed on developments of any legal proceedings. If you are required to go to court, the police and other specially trained workers will provide support, including attending court with you where necessary.

Put you in contact with victim services, advocacy support and other partner organisations.These organisations can advise you regarding civil options such as; non-molestation orders and occupation orders as part of your ongoing safety planning.

Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening and help is available.

Where we have the power of arrest we will:

normally arrest the perpetrator

prosecute offenders where appropriate

use any other means possible to prevent further abuse and violence

work to make sure that you and any other witnesses to the offences feel confident enough to report offences and give evidence in court.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)

DVDS enables a person who is/was in an intimate relationship with a previously violent or abusive individual to make informed choices about continuing in that relationship or about their personal safety if no longer in the relationship.

“Right to ask”is triggered by a member of the public applying to the police for a disclosure. You can make the application directly about your current/ex-partner. If you are a friend / family member (any other third party) you can make an application if you are concerned that someone you know may be in a relationship and is at risk of domestic abuse.

We will assess the application, complete appropriate checks and engage with the person at risk as required.

“Right to know” is triggered by the police making a proactive decision to disclose information to protect a potential victim. Applications can also be made by professionals in other organisations who hold information or intelligence that an individual they are working with may be at risk or pose a risk to others.

Disclosures are delivered and managed by the Domestic Abuse Detective Sergeant (Public Protection), and a decision to involve any partner agencies in the support plan will be made on a case by case basis.

The scheme is open to both men and women.

You can apply by contacting us on 101.

Further information on the DVDS scheme for victims and for third parties is in the leaflets below.

Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders (DVPN and DVPO)

Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) provide us with powers to protect you if you are a victims of domestic abuse by removing violent partners from your home.

These powers give you the time, space and support to plan a safer future, by keeping the perpetrator away.

A DVPN is a notice that we can serve to a person aged over 18 who we believe has been violent or threatened violence against you. It offers immediate protection to you and your family from the threat of domestic abuse.

The law allows us to serve a DVPN on a person even if you do not agree to it.

A DVPN places certain conditions on the person which may include:

stopping him/her from entering, and being within a certain distance, of your home;

stopping him/her from making you leave or excluding you from your home;

requiring him/her to leave your home.

We can intervene in cases even if we do not have enough evidence to bring a criminal charge.

Within 48 hours of the issue of a DVPN, a hearing at a Magistrates court will decide if a DVPO should be issues. They will also decide the length of time of the DVPO (between 14 and 28 days).

Before this scheme, only those arrested and charged with an offence could be barred from their home. This scheme gives you vital respite and time to consider their options. If offenders breach the DVPO, they could receive a fine or a prison sentence.

The scheme also provides help and advice on the support services available. Offenders are also advised of services that can help them.

Introducing Bright Sky

Bright Sky is a domestic abuse support app developed by Hestia in partnership with Thames Valley Partnership and the VodaFone foundation. It is a free to download and use app and it is widely used by people who are experiencing domestic abuse, professionals, family members and others.

The app has received the secured by design approval and is widely used by UK police forces. You can download it through the usual android stores and refer members of the community to it.

The interactive app has features that enable users to take self-assessments to determine if they are in abusive relationships. Users can also use the journal feature to record incidents and send these to a safe email account. Furthermore, the app has a UK wide directory of support services and a feature to enable victims to call 999 in an emergency.

More help and support

We are always available on 101 for help, support and advice, or on 999 in an emergency

There are other local and national organisations and services available.

Local services

End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) Lincolnshire(Previously known as West Lincolnshire DA Service)A countywide domestic abuse service that operates in all districts in Lincolnshire providing support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. EDAN Lincs offers a countywide helpdesk service that operates Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Managed by specialist staff that are able to offer immediate support and advice, as well as take referrals for EDAN Lincs support.Tel: 01522 510041Email: info@edanlincs.org.ukDownload the EDAN leaflet

South Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service (SoLDAS)(Previously known as Boston Women’s Aid)Provides emergency accommodation based services. Also facilitates The Freedom Programme, continues to work in schools (Big Lottery funded) and delivering the Move on Together volunteer mentor scheme in the East of the county.Tel: 01205 311272Email: admin@bostonwa.co.uk

Spring Lodge Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)Spring Lodge is the specialist sexual assault referral centre for Lincolnshire dedicated to providing a comprehensive service to men and women who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Spring Lodge is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm but can be contacted anytime, any day by telephone.01522 524 402 (office hours) / 01371 812 686 (all other times)www.springlodge.org